The Cincinnati Bengals double-dipped at defensive tackle in 2024 with the selection of Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson in rounds two and three, respectively. They both saw significant playing time last season after the defense was decimated by injuries. Jenkins played sooner, but Jackson came on a bit stronger as the season came to an end. The front office and coaching staff, led by new defensive coordinator Al Golden, are expecting big things from this duo. With the orange and black continuing to retool their defense, let’s take a closer look at sophomore Kris Jenkins Jr.
Cincinnati Bengals Player Profile: Kris Jenkins
Slow Start
Jenkins had a slow start to his professional career after suffering a thumb injury before the season opener against the New England Patriots in Week 1 of 2024. This was after he was very durable at the University of Michigan, and the early returns have been very encouraging through OTAs and minicamp.
The #Bengals open camp in 22 days. I’m counting down with a daily observation:
Kris Jenkins is eager to show what he can do after gutting out his rookie year with a broken right thumb.
“It’s been a lot easier,” Kris said. “The strength is back and it isn’t bothering me at all.” pic.twitter.com/M7UA3vE4l0— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) July 2, 2025
Jenkins is fully healthy and looks explosive and powerful, as the Bengals need to boost a run defense that left much to be desired last season. Look for Jenkins and Jackson to push each other with training camp coming into focus as both are primed for a jump in year two.
A for Attitude
One of the qualities that the Bengals were most impressed with in the scouting process of Jenkins was his infectious attitude, which is rooted in positivity. This was evident as a rookie when asked what the Who Dey saying and tradition meant to him, as he stated, “It means everything to me. Who Dey brought me in here accepted me. So for me, Who Dey, like that’s why I say it every day with a smile on my face because it means everything to me, because they believe in me. So, I want to give back to Who Dey for that.”
This mindset is critical for a defense that must play well with so many new faces being counted on to contribute. Jenkins’ attitude should also help him build off a 10-SOLO and three-sack season, as his playing time will also increase.
Fight to the Finish
The biggest area where Jenkins must improve is in consistently performing as the schedule turns to December and beyond. His play did tail off late in the year, and this is somewhat surprising considering how long his season was as a senior, playing in 15 games en route to a National Championship. If Jenkins can stay healthy and commit to the direction of the new defensive line coach, Jerry Montgomery, the team should be markedly improved at stopping the run and pushing the pocket from the interior. This would go a long way to ending the men in stripes’ two-year playoff drought.
Main Photo: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
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